Of the four divisions in the American Football Conference, the South is the one with the least amount of history with the Steelers and probably the smallest amount of contempt. The Texans have only been around since 2002 and the Jags since 1995. The Colts and Titans moved from other cities. But is there enough loathing to like one the least?
Let’s find out as we take a peak at the AFC South.
Houston Texans
The Steelers and the Texans do not have much of a rivalry at all, having only played five games since their 2002 inception. The Steelers lost to the expansion Texans 24-6, but the defense only allowed a field goal that day. I was in the stands as the Houston defense scored three touchdowns on two interceptions and a fumble recovery. The series stands at 3-2 in favor of the Steelers. Now with each team being represented by a Watt, things can get interesting. The two teams face off on Christmas Day.
Indianapolis Colts
The Steelers have really done well against the Colts throughout the years. They are 23-6 overall, including 5-0 in the postseason. There was a stretch from 1974-2002 where the Steelers lost only 2 of 18 to Baltimore/Indianapolis. Had they never moved in 1984, Colts vs Steelers would probably have become a great divisional-rivalry. And I wouldn’t hate purple so much.
Contrary to the Colts, the Jacksonvillains have done very well against Pittsburgh since their inception in 1995. The former AFC Central rival won the first ever contest between the two as an expansion team. The Jags are also one-up in the playoffs on the Steelers. In regular season action, the two teams are split at eleven. But the Steelers have won the last three in the series.
Tennessee Titans
This rivalry actual goes back a long way with the Houston Oilers having moved and morphed into the Tennessee Oilers and then Titans. Back in the 70s, 80s and 90s, this was an intense rivalry with the likes of Bum Phillips, Earl Campbell, Warren Moon, Jerry Glanville and Steve McNair leading the charge. The Steelers and Oilers used to battle for conference supremacy, with the Steelers winning three of four times in the playoffs. Pittsburgh leads the all-time series 45-32, but are only 8-13 in twenty years since they first played the Tennessee version.
There you have it. Cast your vote and comment too. The results will appear in a few days.
Poll
Of the four AFC South teams, which one do you find most deplorable?
This poll is closed
-
7%
Houston Texans
-
20%
Indianapolis Colts
-
17%
Jacksonville Jaguars
-
53%
Tennessee Titans